Join hosts Katie Robinette and Jose Johnson as they delve into the intricacies of planning successful fundraising galas with guest Teresa Schultz Gelman, whom Katie notably dubs the 'gala queen.' Teresa shares her expert insights on meticulous event planning, the importance of connectability, and the art of balancing fun with fundraising. Discover essential tips for engaging guests, managing details, and ensuring that every gala is both impactful and memorable. Whether you're a professional or volunteer planner, this episode offers valuable advice to make your next event shine.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:18 Meet the Gala Queen: Teresa Schultz

02:09 The Art of Fundraising Galas

02:45 Key Elements of a Successful Gala

07:16 Personal Connections and Mission Alignment

24:51 Challenges and Flexibility in Event Planning

28:36 Event Planning Challenges and Embarrassing Moments

29:25 Importance of Professionalism in Event Planning

30:26 Building Synergy and Commitment Among Vendors

32:29 Effective Communication and Detailed Planning

37:03 Choosing the Right Time and Date for Events

39:25 Challenges and Trends in Gala Planning

42:45 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

49:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of 'The Follow Up,' host Katie from Robin Banks Entertainment, along with co-host José Johnson, sit down with Brandon Valentine, the executive director and founder of the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame. They discuss the inception of the Hall of Fame, its mission to honor musical heritage in Central Pennsylvania, and the challenges they’ve faced, including the impact of COVID-19. Brandon shares his musical background, upcoming projects, and insights into the local music scene. The episode also touches on the Youth Music Showcase and Brandon’s views on music education, creativity, and the ever-evolving digital landscape. Don’t miss this engaging conversation packed with anecdotes, inspirations, and behind-the-scenes stories from the recent awards show!

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Banter

00:29 Overview of the Podcast and Episode

01:04 Introducing Brandon Valentine

03:13 Brandon's Background and Music Journey

05:33 Central Pennsylvania Music Scene

09:51 Challenges and Evolution of the Local Music Scene

15:22 Highlighting Local Music Legends

26:31 Event Planning and Execution

37:20 Technical Glitches and Quick Fixes

40:14 The Role of Youth in Music

48:25 Challenges in the Music Industry

50:30 The Evolution of Music Education

55:13 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

01:05:50 Exciting Plans for the Future

01:08:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Learn more about the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame:

Website: https://cpmhof.com

Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/cpmhof/

https://www.instagram.com/cpmhof

https://www.tiktok.com/@cpmhof

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpmhof/posts/?feedView=all

https://www.youtube.com/@centralpennsylvaniamusicha9954/featured

In this episode of The Follow Up, hosts Katie Robinette and JoséJohnson are joined by Kelly Dantinne, the owner of Excelsior, a historic and versatile event venue in downtown Lancaster. Kelly shares the fascinating history of Excelsior, which dates back to 1852, and provides insights into the venue's unique spaces, dynamic atmosphere, and the transformation under her ownership. The discussion also highlights Kelly's artistic background, the challenges of maintaining a historic building, and their innovative approach to wedding and event planning. Kelly introduces the Water Gallery, a newer, intimate venue perfect for a variety of smaller events. Tune in to learn about the intricacies of running a successful event venue and get inspired by Excelsior's commitment to excellence.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:37 Guest Introduction: Kelly Dantinne

01:48 History of Excelsior

04:10 Reviving the Venue

05:32 Excelsior's Unique Spaces

06:31 Excelsior's Philosophy and Culture

11:03 Challenges and Successes

20:26 Personal Experiences and Reflections

26:43 Embracing Change and Rolling with the Punches

27:03 The Vision Behind Excelsior

28:20 Salvaging and Repurposing for Character

29:42 Creating a Versatile Event Space

31:32 Advice for Aspiring Venue Owners

32:38 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Venue

35:45 The Importance of Details and Excellence

41:04 Introducing the Water Gallery

45:06 Future Plans and Personal Projects

47:22 Connecting with Excelsior and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Excelsior: https://www.excelsiorlancaster.com

FB: @excelsiorlancaster

Insta: @excelsiorlancasterpa | @thewatergallerylancasterpa

Email: kelly@excelsiorlancaster.com

In this episode of 'The Follow Up,' hosts Katie and José sit down with Kaci Willwerth, the dynamic entrepreneur and wedding planner from Simple Soiree. Based in Lancaster, Kaci shares her journey from a hairstylist and makeup artist to becoming a top wedding planner known for organizing the biggest end-of-year parties for vendors. The conversation touches on Kaci's personal experiences, pivotal career moments, balancing work and family life, and current trends in the wedding industry. They also discuss the importance of building a good vendor team and maintaining work-life balance. Tune in to gain valuable insights and advice on stress-free wedding planning and intentional living.

Contact Kaci & Team at:

https://www.soireepa.com

events@soireepa.com

In the second episode of 'The Follow-Up,' Katie and José dive into their backgrounds, sharing personal stories about their journeys into the music world. The duo discusses the challenges of the industry, the importance of preparation, and the emotional highs and lows of performing. From childhood inspirations to professional milestones, they reveal what drives them and how they aim to provide opportunities for other talented musicians. This candid conversation offers a glimpse into their unique paths and the experiences that shaped their careers.

In this episode, Katie and José discuss the important considerations couples should keep in mind when booking a live wedding band, especially in relation to the venue. They share real-life experiences, including the challenges of sound control, venue logistics, and the unique issues with both indoor and outdoor spaces. From dealing with power outages to navigating tricky load-ins and sound ordinances, this video is packed with practical advice and anecdotes to help make your special day run smoothly.

Ever wonder what musicians see from the stage during a performance? In this episode of The Follow Up, hosts Katie Robinette and José Johnson take you behind the scenes to share the moments that only performers get to witness.

From laugh-out-loud funny incidents to heartwarming interactions and downright bizarre occurrences, Katie and Jose reveal the stories that make every show unforgettable. Whether it’s a touching exchange between a couple on the dance floor or a hilariously unexpected moment in the crowd, these are the tales that bring live events to life.

Tune in for a peek behind the curtain and discover why these behind-the-scenes moments are so special. Don’t miss this entertaining and heartfelt discussion—subscribe now and join the conversation!